Stone Forest Travel Guide for Foreigners

General Information

• Location: The Stone Forest is located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. It is about 80 kilometers from Kunming city center.
• Geographical Features: It is a world - famous karst landform scenic area. The stone forest is composed of numerous limestone formations that have been weathered and eroded over millions of years, creating a spectacular and unique landscape of stone pillars, peaks, and caves.
• History and Culture: The Stone Forest has a long history associated with local ethnic cultures, especially the Yi ethnic group. There are many folk legends and traditional cultures related to this unique natural wonder.

Highlights and Attractions

• Major Stone Forest:
  • This is the core area of the Stone Forest. Here, you can see a vast expanse of stone formations that seem to form a forest made of stone. The tall and majestic stone pillars rise up from the ground, with various shapes. Some look like people, some like animals, and some like mythical creatures. You can wander along the paths among the stone forest, feeling as if you are in a mysterious world. For example, there is a famous stone formation called "Ashima", which is based on the local Yi ethnic group's legend. Ashima is a beautiful and brave girl in the story, and the stone formation vividly depicts her image.
• Minor Stone Forest:
  • Compared with the Major Stone Forest, the Minor Stone Forest has its own unique charm. The stone formations here are more delicate and scattered in a relatively smaller area. There are also many beautiful natural landscapes, such as small ponds and clear springs among the stones. The reflection of the stone pillars in the water creates a beautiful and dreamy scene.
• Naigu Stone Forest:
  • This area has a more primitive and wild atmosphere. The stone formations are more complex and diverse, with some unique geological features. There are also some less - visited paths and hidden corners, which are very suitable for those who like exploration and adventure. You can experience the power of nature and the magic of the karst landform more deeply in this area.
• Ethnic Cultural Performances:
  • In the Stone Forest scenic area, there are often ethnic cultural performances. You can watch traditional dances, songs, and other shows of the Yi ethnic group. These performances allow you to understand the unique ethnic culture and traditions of the local people. The colorful ethnic costumes, lively rhythms, and passionate expressions of the performers will leave you a deep impression.
• Caves:
  • There are several interesting caves in the Stone Forest. These caves are formed by the erosion of water over the years. Inside the caves, there are various stalactites and stalagmites. Some of them are in strange shapes, like curtains, columns, or even like figures. The lighting inside the caves highlights these unique formations, creating a mysterious and beautiful environment.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March - May): The weather is pleasant during this period. The flowers are in bloom, adding a touch of color to the stone forest. It is a great time for outdoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty.
• Autumn (September - November): The climate is cool and dry. The sky is usually clear, providing good visibility for viewing the stone formations. It is also a good season to avoid the peak tourist season in summer.

How to Get There

• By Bus: There are regular tourist buses departing from Kunming East Bus Station to the Stone Forest. The journey takes about 1.5 - 2 hours.
• By Tourist Shuttle: Some hotels in Kunming also offer tourist shuttle services to the Stone Forest. You can consult your hotel front desk for details.
• By Car: If you are driving, you can use the navigation system to drive to the Stone Forest scenic area. There are parking lots available at the entrance of the scenic area.

Tickets and Opening Hours

• Opening Hours: The Stone Forest is usually open from 07:30 to 17:30.
• Ticket Price: The ticket price varies, usually around 130 - 175 yuan, depending on the specific package and services included. There may be discounts for students, the elderly, and children. Check the official website or the ticket office for the most accurate information.

Food and Beverage

• Local Cuisine: In the Stone Forest area, you can try some local Yunnan cuisine. For example, "cross - bridge rice noodles" is a famous dish. The hot soup, fresh ingredients, and tender rice noodles make it a delicious choice. There are also other local dishes such as "Yunnan - style fried goat cheese", "roasted pork with wild mushrooms", etc. These dishes feature fresh local ingredients and unique flavors.
• Snacks: You can also find some local snacks like "flower cakes". These small cakes are filled with various flower fillings, such as rose, jasmine, etc. They are sweet and fragrant.

Tips

• Comfortable Shoes: Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be walking on uneven stone paths for a long time.
• Sun Protection: The sun can be strong in Yunnan, especially during the day. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
• Respect the Ethnic Culture: When watching ethnic cultural performances or interacting with local people, respect their customs and traditions. Do not make any disrespectful behaviors.
• Guided Tours: Consider taking a guided tour. A professional guide can provide you with in - depth knowledge about the geological formation of the stone forest and the local ethnic culture, which will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the visit.